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‘Big Blue’ Oilers Themed Tractor Generates Excitement
‘Big Blue’ Oilers Themed Tractor Generates Excitement
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Tim and Mark Kihn were out driving near Elk Island National Park recently when they amazed to see ‘Big Blue’ a Fordson Major tractor it was just like the one they had growing up.
Tim, who resides about 10 kilometres south of where the tractor is located, was thrilled to discover the tractor with his brother on May 16. Tim explained, “Our family started farming in 1967 on a one section piece of land north of Brandon, Manitoba.
Our first tractor was a Fordson Power Major 1961 tractor, very similar to this one. My brother Mark learned to drive on it, shift gears, understand its power train and more. I was a little too young at the time to drive it, but I remember it well, especially the blue colour. Tractors have always been special in our family. So many good memories on the farm involve these iron horses.”
The Kihn brothers also love the game of hockey. “Mark and I were literally pond hockey players. We even strung lights between the two dugout hills so that we could play late. Neither of us played organized hockey, but in our minds we would make the National Hockey League. Mark played goal like Bernie Parent and I tore down the right wring like Guy Lafleur.” Tim said their hometown hockey hero was Ron Chipperfield, who served as Oilers captain in 1979-1980.
“Upon moving to the Edmonton area in the early 1980’s I started cheering for the Edmonton Oilers who played the same type of hockey as my Guy Lafleur led Habs of the 1970’s. Seeing this Fordson Major with the proud Oilers logos really connected these two threads of our lives; a very special tractor and a hockey team that may win the ultimate prize.”
Although Mark is a Calgary Flames fan, he is rooting for the Oilers to win the Stanley Cup. Also, cheering on the blue and orange is Duane Langille, owner of ‘Big Blue’ that he purchased at an auction about 10 years ago.
Duane said his son-in-law’s friend does freehand and he talked to him about painting the tractor and adding Oilers logos. “It’s all freehand which makes it kind of cool and unique.”
‘Big Blue’ has been a part of staff parties at Alberta Food Equipment where Duane is the General Manager. The tractor was also featured on Global news about a year ago. A big Oilers fan as well, Duane has thought about auctioning the tractor off to raise funds for charity. “I’ve always wanted to do that, I just have to connect with the right people to get them involved.”
‘Big Blue’ is still a working tractor, and Duane uses it for rototilling the garden and turning hay on the farm. Perhaps though, the Hockey Gods will fulfill the long-time dream of these Oilers fans to bring home the Stanley Cup once again.
